Electric Juju

Product Description

'In just the space of a dozen songs, the Chainsaw Men reignite the long-smoldering spirit of punk rock -- the aggressive, soul-on-ice '76 spirit, not the whining, emasculated, noise-for-the-sake-of-boys 2000 spirit -- channelling the twin Detroit/Oz axis and delivering manifestos with the kind of ripped-jean vigor so rare, and therefore precious, nowadays. Small wonder: the Chainsaw Men sprung from the ashes of Australia's Vanilla Chainsaws and San Diego's Gamma Men (hence the combined moniker), a not-to-be-missed transcontinental summit meeting for fans who like their hi-nrg material both tuneful and meaningful.' Fred Mills (Magnet #47 website) CHAINSAW MEN.... with ex VANILLA CHAINSAW (Australia) and pre solo SIMON CHAINSAW on vocal and guitar, ex GAMMA MAN and NOISE FOR HEROES ZINE/SITE (USA), STEVE GARDENER on Drums. This disc was always destined to be a 70's punk spirit classic. Every track is full of the enthusiasm that made the initial punk movement so contageous. The sound before the punk formula and dogma set in. Just imagine the early punk songs (nerves etc) with great late 90's studio production, and that's what you have here... great songs and great production. No pretence.. just fantastic rock'n'roll. 'The Chainsaw Men's Electric Juju brings together a lot of elements you probably thought had left the rawwwk for good -- thrashin' punk energy from the rock-solid engine room, combined with plenty guitar damage (the confluence of buzzsaw rhythm and soaring leads) and anthemic tunes. Sure, the post-grunge era is the Age of the Non-Singer, but Simon Drew's got pipes AND tunes, and Bro. Gardner matches him shot-for-shot in the compositional stakes. The NKVD slogan -- 'Energy, Melody, Guts' -- definitely applies here. Listening to the work these guys do, it's hard to believe the circumstances under which this album was recorded (go read the article on NKVD's website); they sound like a band that's shared the experience of blowing up against the back wall of many a sweaty club, not one that was pulled together in a studio over a few manic days. From the aptly-titled opener 'Angry Men,' the energy doesn't let up until the brief acoustic interlude at the front end of closer 'Break Those Chains.' Hear and be amazed.' Ken Shimamoto (Savage Beat fanzine) 'With elements both old-school (MC5, Radio Birdman, even a touch of Dead Boys and Jam) and more recent (Bad Religion's brainy investigations and the Lazy Cowgirls' amped-up Stones rawk come to mind), it's safe to say that this band can't miss. Or can it? These days, kids over-weaned on metallic hip-hop and aimlessly riffing 'songs' based on open-tunings might not 'get it.' But that's okay; the rest of us with graying temples and a jones for straightahead rock 'n' roll understand. From opening cut 'Angry Man,' which finds Drew snarling out his frustrations in his best Mike Ness voice over propulsive buzz-saw guitars and a full-tilt rhythm section, to the closer 'Break Those Chains,' an anthemic gotta-be-me number given an expansive, New Christs-style acoustic/electric arrangement, the Chainsaw Men deliver the goods, inspired by several decades' worth of musical heroes and intent upon carrying the torch proudly. In between are numerous highlights, and with both Drew and Gardner divvying up the songwriting chores, there's never any risk of repetition or formulaic regurgitation. At the same time, the band carves out a singular sound, full of an unforced swagger and combined vigor that's inspiring to witness as it unfolds before the ears. Given the geographical logistics, here's hoping a collaboration this empathetic continues.' Fred Mills Phoenix New Times check out these reviews, listen to the tracks and just try to stop yourself buying!!

'In just the space of a dozen songs, the Chainsaw Men reignite the long-smoldering spirit of punk rock -- the aggressive, soul-on-ice '76 spirit, not the whining, emasculated, noise-for-the-sake-of-boys 2000 spirit -- channelling the twin Detroit/Oz axis and delivering manifestos with the kind of ripped-jean vigor so rare, and therefore precious, nowadays. Small wonder: the Chainsaw Men sprung from the ashes of Australia's Vanilla Chainsaws and San Diego's Gamma Men (hence the combined moniker), a not-to-be-missed transcontinental summit meeting for fans who like their hi-nrg material both tuneful and meaningful.' Fred Mills (Magnet #47 website) CHAINSAW MEN.... with ex VANILLA CHAINSAW (Australia) and pre solo SIMON CHAINSAW on vocal and guitar, ex GAMMA MAN and NOISE FOR HEROES ZINE/SITE (USA), STEVE GARDENER on Drums. This disc was always destined to be a 70's punk spirit classic. Every track is full of the enthusiasm that made the initial punk movement so contageous. The sound before the punk formula and dogma set in. Just imagine the early punk songs (nerves etc) with great late 90's studio production, and that's what you have here... great songs and great production. No pretence.. just fantastic rock'n'roll. 'The Chainsaw Men's Electric Juju brings together a lot of elements you probably thought had left the rawwwk for good -- thrashin' punk energy from the rock-solid engine room, combined with plenty guitar damage (the confluence of buzzsaw rhythm and soaring leads) and anthemic tunes. Sure, the post-grunge era is the Age of the Non-Singer, but Simon Drew's got pipes AND tunes, and Bro. Gardner matches him shot-for-shot in the compositional stakes. The NKVD slogan -- 'Energy, Melody, Guts' -- definitely applies here. Listening to the work these guys do, it's hard to believe the circumstances under which this album was recorded (go read the article on NKVD's website); they sound like a band that's shared the experience of blowing up against the back wall of many a sweaty club, not one that was pulled together in a studio over a few manic days. From the aptly-titled opener 'Angry Men,' the energy doesn't let up until the brief acoustic interlude at the front end of closer 'Break Those Chains.' Hear and be amazed.' Ken Shimamoto (Savage Beat fanzine) 'With elements both old-school (MC5, Radio Birdman, even a touch of Dead Boys and Jam) and more recent (Bad Religion's brainy investigations and the Lazy Cowgirls' amped-up Stones rawk come to mind), it's safe to say that this band can't miss. Or can it? These days, kids over-weaned on metallic hip-hop and aimlessly riffing 'songs' based on open-tunings might not 'get it.' But that's okay; the rest of us with graying temples and a jones for straightahead rock 'n' roll understand. From opening cut 'Angry Man,' which finds Drew snarling out his frustrations in his best Mike Ness voice over propulsive buzz-saw guitars and a full-tilt rhythm section, to the closer 'Break Those Chains,' an anthemic gotta-be-me number given an expansive, New Christs-style acoustic/electric arrangement, the Chainsaw Men deliver the goods, inspired by several decades' worth of musical heroes and intent upon carrying the torch proudly. In between are numerous highlights, and with both Drew and Gardner divvying up the songwriting chores, there's never any risk of repetition or formulaic regurgitation. At the same time, the band carves out a singular sound, full of an unforced swagger and combined vigor that's inspiring to witness as it unfolds before the ears. Given the geographical logistics, here's hoping a collaboration this empathetic continues.' Fred Mills Phoenix New Times check out these reviews, listen to the tracks and just try to stop yourself buying!!